Karlberg grabs Moscow lead

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Moscow - Sweden's Rikard Karlberg took a two-stroke lead at the halfway point of the Russian Open on Friday after carding a second-round four-under par 68 in Moscow.

Karlberg, seeking his maiden European Tour title, recorded six birdies against just two bogeys at the Tseleevo Golf and Polo Club to leave himself on nine-under overall going into the weekend.

"It was a pretty tough day out there because the wind got really strong in the middle of the round and caused quite a few problems," said the 26-year-old leader.

"But I made a really good start to the round and then when the conditions got worse I managed to hang in there and then had a great finish with two birdies in my last few holes which is very satisfying obviously.

"I am in a great position now but there is still a long way to go. We are only at the halfway stage and I need to keep doing what I have been doing and making birdies to have a chance," added the Swede.

Overnight co-leader Liang Wen-chong of China found himself in a four-way tie for second alongside Frenchman and defending champion Alexandre Kaleka, England's Matthew Baldwin, and Northern Ireland's Michael Hoey.

"I am very happy with the score because the conditions were a lot tougher than yesterday (Thursday) afternoon.

"This morning it was cold and wet and the wind was really difficult to manage, so to shoot two under is a good result for me this morning," said Liang.

Leading and selected second round scores in the European Tour Russian Open at the Tseleevo Golf and Polo Club (GBR/IRL unless stated, par 72):

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